Community Networks

Longmeadow Voters Reject Municipal Fiber Network Proposal

The vote followed what broadband advocates described as a telecom industry-backed astroturf campaign.

Georgina Mackie

May 14, 2026 — 2 min read

Screenshot of Ben Brown, a member of Longmeadow's Municipal Fiber Task Force, presents at the annual town meeting on May 12, 2026.

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2026 – A western Massachusetts town will remain reliant on incumbent broadband providers after voters Tuesday rejected plans for a municipal fiber network.

Residents at Longmeadow’s annual town meeting voted 374-270 against Article 7, failing to reach the two-thirds majority required to approve an $8.6 million appropriation for the first phase of a planned $27 million town-owned network.

The proposal would have funded construction of a central fiber hub, an initial pilot area, and part of a second construction phase expected to serve roughly 1,600 homes and about 50 businesses and multi-dwelling units.

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Community Networks Community Broadband Fiber Longmeadow Massachusetts Ben Brown Comcast Erica Weida Tom Shea Minnesota Domestic Policy Caucus ILSR

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